Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of SB1372

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104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
SB1372

Introduced 1/29/2025, by Sen. Chapin Rose

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Public Higher Education Act. Provides that the intent of the Act is for the requirements of the Act to apply equally to the governing board of each public institution of higher education in this State unless the Act provides otherwise. Defines "governing board of each public institution of higher education" and "public institution of higher education". Prohibits a public university from punishing students for exercising their right to free speech. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Public Higher Education Act.

Section 5. Intent. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the requirements set forth in this Act should apply equally to each public institution of higher education in this State and to the governing board of each public institution of higher education in this State, except as otherwise provided in this Act.

Section 10. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Governing board of each public institution of higher education" means the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, the Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University, the Board of Trustees of Chicago State University, the Board of Trustees of Eastern Illinois University, the Board of Trustees of Governors State University, the Board of Trustees of Illinois State University, the Board of Trustees of Northeastern Illinois University, the Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University, the Board of Trustees of Western Illinois University, and the board of trustees of each community college district in this State.

"Public institution of higher education" means the University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University, Illinois State University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, a public community college in this State, or any other public university, college, or community college now or hereafter established or authorized by the General Assembly.

Section 15. Right of students to free speech. The governing board of each public institution of higher education, other than the board of trustees of a community college district, is prohibited from punishing students for exercising their right to free speech, including, without limitation, by withholding transcripts or refunds or altering a student's housing status, admission status, or current or continuing status as an enrolled student at the public institution of higher education.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.